ACD’s Collaborative Online International Learning Program Reaches More Students

The 2025-2026 academic year was record-breaking for the Alamo Colleges District’s Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Program. 280 students across all five colleges had the opportunity to connect with peers from 14 countries through virtual programs embedded directly into their coursework. This high level of participation reflects the dedication of the faculty who have trained in the COIL methodology and the district’s commitment to supporting global learning opportunities accessible to all students.

COIL experiences are designed to help students develop key competencies that employers increasingly value in today’s global workforce: communication, teamwork, cross-cultural problem-solving skills, adaptability, and digital fluency. A recent study also found that virtual exchange programs like COIL can positively impact community college students' GPAs and their likelihood of completing their degree or credential (Whatley, Labs, & Woods, 2025).

As the COIL program prepares to celebrate its fifth anniversary in the upcoming fall semester, the Alamo Colleges District plans to continue expanding COIL opportunities to both faculty and students. For more information about COIL, visit alamo.edu/coil